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Team America Rocketry ChallengeTeam America Rocketry Challenge(TARC)(TARC)

2014-20152014-2015

September 2014 Kick-off MeetingSeptember 2014 Kick-off Meeting

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WhatWhatisis

TARC?TARC?22

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Team America Rocketry ChallengeTeam America Rocketry Challenge““Team America Rocketry Team America Rocketry

Challenge (TARC) provides Challenge (TARC) provides 77thth through 12 through 12thth grade grade students a realistic students a realistic experience in designing a experience in designing a flying aerospace vehicle flying aerospace vehicle that meets a specified set that meets a specified set of mission and of mission and performance requirements. performance requirements. Students work together in Students work together in teams the same way teams the same way aerospace engineers do”aerospace engineers do”

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Video on line at http://aiaaocrocketry.org/AIAAOCRocketryDocs/TARC2013/TARC_TeamAmericaRocketryChallenge.wmv

International Rocketry ContestInternational Rocketry Contest Up to 1000 teamsUp to 1000 teams 77thth through 12 through 12thth graders graders Compete for scholarships and a trip to an Air Compete for scholarships and a trip to an Air

Show in EuropeShow in Europe Each year a challenge is issued in the form of a Each year a challenge is issued in the form of a

specificationspecification• Maximum weightMaximum weight• Minimum lengthMinimum length• Certain altitudeCertain altitude• Duration of flightDuration of flight• PayloadPayload• And more…And more…

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Once you are given a Once you are given a specification for a rocket with specification for a rocket with payloadpayload• You design and simulate your rocket You design and simulate your rocket

using a CAD programusing a CAD program• You build and test launch your rocketYou build and test launch your rocket• You modify your design and test You modify your design and test

launch again until the specifications launch again until the specifications are metare met

• You qualify by declaring 3 test flights You qualify by declaring 3 test flights to be scored – before flightto be scored – before flight

• If you are in the top 100 teams, you If you are in the top 100 teams, you go to Washington DC for final fly-offsgo to Washington DC for final fly-offs

The 2014-2015The 2014-2015ChallengeChallenge

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Rocket requirementsRocket requirements• Must comply with the NAR safety codeMust comply with the NAR safety code• Must be no less than 650mm (25.6”) longMust be no less than 650mm (25.6”) long• Must not exceed 650 grams in weightMust not exceed 650 grams in weight• Use an approved “F” motor or lower (or multiple Use an approved “F” motor or lower (or multiple

motors total of 80 Newton-seconds or less)motors total of 80 Newton-seconds or less)• Payload (egg and altimeter) portion must return Payload (egg and altimeter) portion must return

separately on its own parachuteseparately on its own parachute• Must contain one approved altimeter (PerfectFlite Must contain one approved altimeter (PerfectFlite

APRA or Pnut)APRA or Pnut)• Portion with rocket motor must return separately Portion with rocket motor must return separately

with any safe recovery methodwith any safe recovery method• May not be a kit designed to carry an eggMay not be a kit designed to carry an egg• No pyrotechnic charges except those provided as No pyrotechnic charges except those provided as

part of the commercially made motorpart of the commercially made motor Flight requirementsFlight requirements

• Must attain an altitude of exactly 800ftMust attain an altitude of exactly 800ft• Must have a total flight duration of 46 – 48 Must have a total flight duration of 46 – 48

secondsseconds• Must carry a payload of one raw hen’s egg, 55 – 60 Must carry a payload of one raw hen’s egg, 55 – 60

grams in weight and return undamagedgrams in weight and return undamaged Team members (not adults) do the workTeam members (not adults) do the work

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There are more rules – see the Team Handbook – the final authority

2014 – 2015 Scoring2014 – 2015 Scoring Similar to golf – the lower the score the Similar to golf – the lower the score the

betterbetter Target altitude is 800 ftTarget altitude is 800 ft

• Each foot your altitude is different costs 1 pointEach foot your altitude is different costs 1 point• Accuracy is down to 1 foot measured by an on-Accuracy is down to 1 foot measured by an on-

board altimeter (PerfectFlite APRA or Pnut)board altimeter (PerfectFlite APRA or Pnut) Target time window is 46 to 48 seconds from Target time window is 46 to 48 seconds from

liftoff until the payload touches down (or can liftoff until the payload touches down (or can no longer be seen)no longer be seen)

• In the window costs 0 pointsIn the window costs 0 points• Each second your time is different costs 4 Each second your time is different costs 4

pointspoints• Time is measured to .01 seconds idependently Time is measured to .01 seconds idependently

by two observers on the groundby two observers on the ground Up to three Qualification Flights must be Up to three Qualification Flights must be

made between 9/2/2014 and 3/30/2015 – you made between 9/2/2014 and 3/30/2015 – you MUST make twoMUST make two

Second flight at finals will be 775 feet and Second flight at finals will be 775 feet and 45-47 seconds45-47 seconds

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Final score is the sum of the two best scoresScores must be received by at the offices of AIA by 3/30/2015 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

How are How are you you

going to going to do this?do this?

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Assemble a teamAssemble a team

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• Teams must be sponsored by a non-profit organization with a youth program• Teams must be 3 – 10 members• All members must be in 7th through 12th grades• You need a lot of different skills – not just “rocket scientists” – members that

• Like to lead and manage• Technically skilled for design• Mechanically skilled to helpe build• Computer literate for Computer Aided Design and simulation• Members that like to track budgets and fundraise

• One team member must be the Program Manager• Each team member must make a significant contribution to the design, building and/or launching• Team members can be added or dropped until the 1st qualification flight

• No limit to the number of teams from any one sponsoring organization.• But if more than 3 teams qualify from one sponsor, only the 3 teams with the best scores can go to finals• Those 3 teams can add members from other qualifying teams from that sponsor up to a maximum of 10 per team

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Early Team TasksEarly Team Tasks

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• Each team member should read and understand the contest and safety rules in the Handbook•Meet often to discuss options and work on your design• Identify what you need to know and needed areas of expertise• Establish a schedule with dates and stick to it• Estimate your costs and your fundraising needs and methods

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NAR Safety Code HighlightsNAR Safety Code Highlights

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• Use only lightweight, non metal parts for the nose, body, and fins• Use only certified and approved commercially made motors• Use an electrical launch system with safety interlock for the ignition switch•Use a launch rod, tower or rail pointed to within 30 degrees of vertical• Don’t launch at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes• Assure adequate space (“F” motors require a minimum of 1000 ft across launch site• You must use a recovery system (parachute(s) or streamer• Read the full Model Rocket Safety Code in the Handbook

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Schedule and BudgetSchedule and Budget

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•Schedule: Use Microsoft Office “Excel” or Open Office “Calc” to show tasks and time – then stick to your schedule!

Budget: Use the same tool to get an estimate of what you will spend on this project – then you know how much money you will need to raise

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Research areas of expertiseResearch areas of expertise• You might want to have each member research a different area and report to the team to share their knowledge • Areas of expertise might include

• Payload (protect the eggs)• Recovery (deliver eggs from altitude)• Airframe design, fins, nose cone• Rocksim CAD Design • Motors and igniters• Effects of weather on the rocket• Collect and analyze launch data• Construction and finish• Budget and fundraising

• Discuss design concepts – you might want one joint design, or try several different designs

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Evaluate potential designsEvaluate potential designsMake use of your technology experts

• Long or short body• Shape of nose cone• Shape of fins• Placement of egg payload• Protection of egg payload• Shape of parachute• Black Powder or APCP motor• Materials to use

• The list goes on and on• The team needs to make educated decisions

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Design and Simulate with RocksimDesign and Simulate with Rocksim

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RockSim – Design & Motor SelectionRockSim – Design & Motor Selection

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RockSim - SimulationRockSim - Simulation

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Order and receive parts and motorsOrder and receive parts and motors

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Build your design(s)Build your design(s)Construction is as important as design for consistency of flightsConstruction is as important as design for consistency of flights

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Test and Tune Your DesignTest and Tune Your Design

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Record details of the vehicle, motor, flight, and weather conditions for EACH flight to use to refine your design after the launch

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Where can you launch?Where can you launch?

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• Very restrictive - NOT in your back yard, park, or school yard• State of California requires the landowners permission, the local fire authority’s permission, and often a permit ($300 - $1,000 per day)• Rockets above 500g and with larger motors have more restrictions in California

• Best to launch at organized launches(Distances are from the city of Orange)• R.O.C. in Lucerne Dry Lake past Apple Valley (about 100 miles)• D.A.R.T. at Fiesta Island near San Diego (about 90 miles)• S.C.R.A. at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (about 35 miles) – limit is 500g rockets and “C” motors in spring• There are more sites even further away – we will use those if needed

The Qualification FlightThe Qualification Flight The Qualification Flights are your The Qualification Flights are your

ticket to the finalsticket to the finals You can make up to 3, your final You can make up to 3, your final

score is the sum of the best 2score is the sum of the best 2 There is no single qualification event There is no single qualification event

– you can make a qualification flight – you can make a qualification flight at any launch with a NAR observerat any launch with a NAR observer

You declare your Qualification Flight You declare your Qualification Flight BEFORE the launchBEFORE the launch

The NAR observer will inspect your The NAR observer will inspect your rocket before flightrocket before flight• Safety – is it stable and well built?Safety – is it stable and well built?• For rule compliance – one egg, motor size, For rule compliance – one egg, motor size,

correct altimeter, separates, payload on correct altimeter, separates, payload on parachuteparachute

He will record the resultsHe will record the results You need to send in the resultsYou need to send in the results

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Qualify!Qualify!

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Video on line at http://aiaaocrocketry.org/AIAAOCRocketryDocs/TARC2013/ASAT_TARC2010-W-Beeps.wmv

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Attend Finals near Washington D.C.Attend Finals near Washington D.C.

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Previous TARC YearsPrevious TARC YearsYEAR The Challenge Top 100 Teams

Mentored

AIAA Result

2008 750ft, 45 sec, 1500g, 2eggs, “G” motors, any recovery

22.20 1 22.28 3rd Alternate

2009 750ft, 45 sec, 1500g, 1 egg on side, “G” motors, any recovery

17.60 1 23.60 No Joy

2010 825 ft, 40-45 sec, 1000g, 1 egg, “F” motors, streamer

29.60 1 4.00 8th National -> SLI

2011 750ft, 40-45 sec, 1000g, 1 egg, “G” motors, 15” parachute

15.87 1 31.86 Too Busy with SLI

2012 800ft, 43-47 sec, 650g, 1egg, “F” motors, parachute

13.20 3 21.13 Too Busy with SLI

2013 750ft, 48-50 sec, 650g, 1 egg on side, “F” motors, 15” parachute

16.12 5 4 & 9 2 teams to finals

2014 825 ft, 48-50 sec, 650g, 2 eggs, “F” motors, 2 parachutes

54.12 (2 flights)

10 4- 53.18 5 teams to finals

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How can AIAA OC Section help?How can AIAA OC Section help?

Teams must be attached to a non-profit organization with a Teams must be attached to a non-profit organization with a youth program such as AIAA, a school, scout troop, 4Hyouth program such as AIAA, a school, scout troop, 4H

Each organization can have any number of teams of 3 to 10 Each organization can have any number of teams of 3 to 10 members each, but only 3 teams can go to finalsmembers each, but only 3 teams can go to finals

If your school, 4H, scout troop or other youth program will not If your school, 4H, scout troop or other youth program will not let you form a team attached to them, you can become an let you form a team attached to them, you can become an AIAA team or we will find other professional organizationAIAA team or we will find other professional organization

For any teamFor any team• We will provide mentoring as neededWe will provide mentoring as needed• We will provide a place to meet with PCs with RocksimWe will provide a place to meet with PCs with Rocksim• We will provide construction materials (glue, fin jigs etc.)We will provide construction materials (glue, fin jigs etc.)• We will have many launch outings to test and fine-tuneWe will have many launch outings to test and fine-tune• We will help you put together a field box with essential tools and We will help you put together a field box with essential tools and

support support materials – we have 10 tool boxes to LOANmaterials – we have 10 tool boxes to LOAN 2929

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BudgetBudget Teams are responsible for their own expensesTeams are responsible for their own expenses

• Materials to build one rocket: $25 - $50 (2 or more per design)Materials to build one rocket: $25 - $50 (2 or more per design)• Motors to launch: $6 - $19 each (10 – 30 launches total)Motors to launch: $6 - $19 each (10 – 30 launches total)

Small “E” Black Powder Single Use: $6.00Small “E” Black Powder Single Use: $6.00 Estes or Aerotech APCP “E” Single Use: $15 - $18Estes or Aerotech APCP “E” Single Use: $15 - $18 Estes or Aerotech APCP “F” Single Use: $18Estes or Aerotech APCP “F” Single Use: $18 Aerotech or Cesaroni APCP “E” Reloads: $9 - $15 + One CasingAerotech or Cesaroni APCP “E” Reloads: $9 - $15 + One Casing Aerotech or Cesaroni APCP “F” Reloads: $15 - $19 + One CasingAerotech or Cesaroni APCP “F” Reloads: $15 - $19 + One Casing

• Transportation to the launches (gas and vehicle)Transportation to the launches (gas and vehicle)• WHEN you make the finalsWHEN you make the finals

Air Fare to Washington DC - $400/personAir Fare to Washington DC - $400/person Hotel ($89/room/night – share rooms)Hotel ($89/room/night – share rooms) Meals ($5-$10/meal)Meals ($5-$10/meal)

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FundraisingSales: Garage, Sees Candy, Mary Kaye CosmeticsCorporate Sponsors: Industry, Aerospace, Local BusinessesDo chores, beg parents to help (it’s your responsibility to raise money, not your parents)

ScheduleSchedule20142014

• 9/2 – 12/12: Sign up (completed paid application received)9/2 – 12/12: Sign up (completed paid application received)• September 20 & 28September 20 & 28thth – AIAA OC Section TARC 2015 kick-off – AIAA OC Section TARC 2015 kick-off• October 11: ROCtober Youth Launch at Lucerne Dry LakeOctober 11: ROCtober Youth Launch at Lucerne Dry Lake• November 8: ROCstock – large launch at Lucerne Dry LakeNovember 8: ROCstock – large launch at Lucerne Dry Lake• Sept – Dec: Design, build, and test – the earlier the betterSept – Dec: Design, build, and test – the earlier the better

20152015• Jan – 3/30: Refine design and continue to testJan – 3/30: Refine design and continue to test• 3/30 – Must have completed all qualification flights3/30 – Must have completed all qualification flights• 3/30 – Qualification flight forms RECEIVED at AIA3/30 – Qualification flight forms RECEIVED at AIA• 4/3 – top 100 teams announced4/3 – top 100 teams announced• 5/9 – Final Fly-offs near Washington DC5/9 – Final Fly-offs near Washington DC• 5/10 – Alternate Final Fly-off in case of inclement weather5/10 – Alternate Final Fly-off in case of inclement weather

More InformationMore Information

http://rocketcontest.orghttp://rocketcontest.org

http://AIAAOCRocketry.orghttp://AIAAOCRocketry.org

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NARTARChttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/NARTARC

http://www.nar.orghttp://www.nar.org3131

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How to proceed from hereHow to proceed from here

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Teams can go on line to sign up OR complete the “TARC 2015 Application Packet”

Each team member needs to submit the completed and signed “Parent/Guardian Consent & Release Form” – this can also be done on line

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A Few General TipsA Few General Tips

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• New teams might want to build and fly 2.6” rocket kit as a group, or have each member build and fly a smaller kit to get some experience before designing.• Start as soon as possible with your design – time passes very fast and school must come first.• Select your motor early from RockSim and validate with test flights – motors can be difficult to find December - March• After you select and validate which motor you will be using, buy all the motors you need at one time with the same lot number• Prepare for bad weather and cancelled launches January through March

Our Favorite Launch Site – Lucerne Dry Lake – isn’t always Dry

Thank youThank you

Questions?Questions?

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Disclaimer: Read the handbook and the rules. If there is any discrepancy between this presentation and the official NAR and AIA documents, those documents win.